Detroit Federation of Teachers

Election Committee is Sworn In

Four Election Committee members were sworn in at the April General Membership Meeting. Serving a two year term will be Onza Stokes, Laura Watts, Devette Brown and Julia Hunko. We thank these members for their service to the members of the DFT. Executive Vice President, Jason Posey, looks on. Be sure to say hello to Election Committee when you sign in at the May General Membership meeting.

Marcus Garvey students watch solar eclipse

Marcus Garvey Students Watching the Eclipse

The solar eclipse came at the end of the school day, just in time for these Marcus Garvey students to put on their special glasses and mask to watch as the moon passed over the sun. Students across the city were doing the same. It was an astronomical event for all of us!

Posey, Wilson-Lumpkins, Weiss, Martin at town hall

DFT Leadership Participates in Town Hall Meeting

At a town hall hosted by State Representative, Regina Weiss, three of our leaders attended the forum: DFT Executive Vice President, Jason Posey, DFT President, Lakia Wilson-Lunmpkins, and AFT Michigan President, Terrence Martin. Many union members were in attendance to listen to the information.

US Senate Candidate Addresses the Membership

.A candidate for the US Senate from Michigan, Hil Harper, came before the DFT General Membership meeting in April to ask for an endorsement by the union. He spoke to members about his support for unions, being a card-carrying member of one himself, as well as the reasons he would like our support in the upcoming August primary. The union will be hosting other candidates who are also seeking our endorsements.

WHAT'S NEW: 2018-19 DPSCD Academic Calendar

Here are the:

2018-2019 Academic Calendar: http://dft231.mi.aft.org/sites/default/files/article_pdf_files/2018-09/2018-2019_academic_calendar.pdf

Letter of Agreement regarding 2018-19 Academic Calendar: http://dft231.mi.aft.org/sites/default/files/article_pdf_files/2018-09/letter_of_agreement_.school_calendar_and_prep_periods_.pdf

Unfair Labor Practice document: http://dft231.mi.aft.org/sites/default/files/article_pdf_files/2018-09/ulp_charge_-_draft_attachment_statement_of_charge_-_08.03.18.pdf

WHAT'S NEW: AFT Leaders Respond to Detroit Public Schools Drinking Water Problems

WASHINGTON—AFT leaders respond to concerns with the drinking water at Detroit public schools.

AFT President Randi Weingarten:

“Every child and every educator should be guaranteed safe drinking water at school. What’s happening in Detroit is the latest illustration of the harm inflicted on children and their teachers through the systemic underinvestment in Detroit public schools by this governor and state leaders. We’re working to get water, coolers and hand sanitizers to the schools, and will continue to do everything we can to work with our locals and the district to ensure our members and the

Board Approves Revised 2018-2019 Academic Calendar; New Spring Break Dates Are April 1-5

On Tuesday evening, August 14, the Detroit Board of Education approved a revised academic calendar for the 2018-2019 school year. It includes a new set of dates for spring break: April 1-5. The previous academic calendar outlined April 19-26 as a break.

It is unfortunate that the dates were changed, however, the district needed to comply with the Wayne RESA common calendar and student testing schedules. The revised calendar also eliminates one-hour-early releases on Wednesdays.

To remedy the situation, the DFT negotiated with the district that our members be compensated for all missed

More than a dozen DFT members participated this week (July 31-Aug. 2) in a three-day Activist Boot Camp (ABC.)

There, they focused on mobilization and organizing efforts toward affecting DPSCD's teacher evaluation model. Members also gained more knowledge of our local's history; acquired a stronger sense of what it means to be an activist; and were trained on an app that is designed to mobilize members in short order.

Our featured speakers included Mary Cathryn Ricker, AFT executive vice president; and Brandon Johnson, Chicago Teachers Union deputy political director.

On the session's third

WHAT'S NEW: Appeal planned in Detroit literacy lawsuit tossed by federal judge (Detroit Free Press story)

Plaintiffs plan to appeal a closely watched federal lawsuit — dismissed Friday by a judge in Detroit — that accuses Gov. Rick Snyder and other state officials of depriving Detroit children of their right to literacy.

U.S. District Judge Stephen Murphy III asserted in his ruling that as important as literacy is, the U.S. Constitution doesn't guarantee a fundamental right to literacy.

The students and families who are plaintiffs in the lawsuit said Monday they would appeal the ruling to the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.

"Friday's decision is as deeply disappointing as having to file a lawsuit

WHAT'S NEW: America Needs Unions Now More than Ever As Supreme Court Sides with Corporate Billionaires Rigging Economy against Workers

WASHINGTON– The following statement was issued by leaders and members of AFSCME, AFT, NEA and SEIU following the decision by the United States Supreme Court to rule against working people and in favor of billionaire CEOs and corporate interests in Janus v. AFSCME Council 31, holding that requiring fair-share fees in the public sector violates the First Amendment of the Constitution. Read more by clicking here: https://www.aft.org/press-release/america-needs-unions-now-more-ever-supreme-court-sides-corporate